Related videos:
Israel and Hamas finalize a peace agreement in Gaza after the Palestinian group delivered a ‘no comment’ response to mediators on Monday night, a source from the Palestinian Islamist group informed the EFE news agency.
A source close to the negotiations, who requested anonymity, stated that "progress" is being made on all components of the agreement, reinforcing expectations of an imminent ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave, where a few hours ago 12 people were killed, including women and children, and dozens more were injured in an airstrike that destroyed three floors of a residential building in the Al-Manara neighborhood, according to a report from the European Hospital of Gaza.
Qatar is expected to be the venue for a crucial round of negotiations this Tuesday, aimed at finalizing the details of the agreement.
According to leaks, the agreement will consist of three phases and involve the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
The first phase of the agreement will last for 42 days and will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages.
Although it was not specified how many of these hostages will be alive, the group will include women, minors, individuals over 50 years old, as well as injured or ill people.
A first group of hostages will be released in the days following the entry into force of the agreement.
During this phase, Israel is not committing to ending hostilities, but negotiations for the second phase will begin after 16 days.
In this second phase, it is expected that Israel will demand the release of the remaining hostages. Additionally, it is stipulated that Israeli forces will not completely withdraw from Gaza during the process, but there will be a gradual withdrawal from some areas, the outlet reported.
Regarding the conditions for Israel, Israeli forces will not initially withdraw from the Philadelphia Corridor between Gaza and Egypt, but will gradually pull back from certain points.
Israel will allow the return of Palestinian civilians to the northern area of Gaza, although security measures will be implemented to prevent the passage of weapons.
In the prisoner exchange, the released Palestinians will be selected based on a "specific criterion" related to the number of released Israeli hostages. Prisoners involved in deadly attacks against Israelis, such as those involved in the October 7, 2023 attack, will not be released.
The agreement also includes the shipment of up to 600 trucks daily with humanitarian aid to Gaza, which could alleviate the critical situation in the region.
The source emphasized that the agreement is closer than ever and that a key round of talks will be held in Doha this Tuesday to finalize the pact.
An "initial" agreement is expected to be signed in the coming days, before Donald Trump's arrival at the White House on January 20.
In the same context, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, confirmed that the truce agreement in Gaza is very close to being finalized, amid discussions between representatives of Hamas, the United States, and Qatar.
The elected president of the United States, Donald Trump, warned the Islamist group Hamas last Tuesday that if they did not release the hostages before his inauguration on January 20, "hell will break loose in the Middle East."
"If they are not back by the time I take office, hell will break loose in the Middle East, and it will not be good for Hamas, nor will it be good, frankly, for anyone. Chaos will erupt," he declared during one of the press conferences he has been holding at his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Peace Agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza
What is the goal of the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza?
The peace agreement aims to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, in order to halt hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The agreement is expected to be implemented in three phases, starting with the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for the entry of humanitarian aid to alleviate the critical situation in the region.
What role is Qatar playing in the peace agreement negotiations?
Qatar is acting as a mediator in the peace agreement negotiations between Israel and Hamas. A decisive round of talks is expected to take place in Doha, Qatar, to finalize the details of the pact. This reinforces Qatar's position as a key player in conflict mediation in the Middle East.
What impact could Donald Trump's threat have on Hamas if they do not release the hostages?
Donald Trump's threat that "hell will break loose in the Middle East" if Hamas does not release the hostages before his inauguration, could increase pressure on Hamas to expedite negotiations and meet the conditions of the peace agreement. This statement could also influence the power dynamics in the region and the international relations of the United States.
Filed under: